Garden Rooms vs Extensions: Which Is Right for Eastbourne Properties?
As more homeowners look to create extra space without the cost of moving, both garden rooms and home extensions have become popular options across Eastbourne. Whether you live in Old Town, Hampden Park, Meads, Langney or Sovereign Harbour, the decision between a garden room and a full extension often comes down to your budget, available space and how you plan to use the new area.
This guide compares both options to help you decide which one is the best fit for your Eastbourne property.
1. What Is a Garden Room?
A garden room is a standalone insulated building, usually placed in the rear garden. It’s ideal for creating extra space without altering the main house.
Best uses:
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- Home office
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- Gym or studio
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- Guest room
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- Games room or hobby space
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- Teen den or relaxation area
Why Eastbourne homeowners love them:
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- Quick installation
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- Often no planning permission needed
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- Lower cost than an extension
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- Can be used year-round with proper insulation
Garden rooms are especially popular in Eastbourne areas with larger gardens, such as Upperton, Old Town and Roselands.
2. What Is a Home Extension?
An extension adds new internal space connected directly to your main property. This is ideal for expanding kitchens, living rooms, dining areas or adding new bedrooms.
Best uses:
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- Open-plan kitchens
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- Additional bedrooms or bathrooms
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- Larger living spaces
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- Utility rooms and storage
Why choose an extension:
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- Seamless connection to the main house
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- Increases long-term property value
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- More flexibility with design
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- Creates permanent, integrated living space
For homes in Meads, Sovereign Harbour and Willingdon, extensions remain one of the most popular upgrades.
3. Cost Comparison for Eastbourne Homes
Garden Rooms:
£12,000 – £30,000+ depending on size, insulation and electrics.
Extensions:
£30,000 – £80,000+ depending on size, materials and structural work.
Garden rooms generally cost less and can be delivered more quickly, but extensions add more long-term value to the property.
4. Planning Permission in Eastbourne
Garden Rooms
Often fall under Permitted Development, meaning no planning permission is needed if height and placement rules are followed.
Extensions
May require planning depending on size, position and design.
Homes in conservation areas (such as Meads or parts of Old Town) may need additional permissions and design considerations.
5. Timescales: How Long Do They Take?
Garden Room:
2–4 weeks for most installations.
Home Extension:
8–20+ weeks, depending on design and complexity.
Extensions require foundations, structural work, plumbing, electrics and full finishing — all of which extend the schedule.
6. Which Option Is Best for Your Eastbourne Property?
Choose a Garden Room if you want:
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- A quicker, budget-friendly solution
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- A flexible separate space
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- Minimal disruption to your home
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- A home office, gym or studio
Choose an Extension if you need:
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- More integrated living space
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- A bigger kitchen or open-plan area
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- Additional bedrooms
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- A major layout change that adds long-term value
Both are excellent options — it simply depends on your goals, garden size and budget.